Comparison of urinary proteome in the first two days after mating in male rats

ObjectiveTo explore whether differences between male rats on the next day of mating and on the day of mating can be reflected by the urine proteome. MethodsUrine samples were collected from male Sprague-Dawley rats on the day of mating and the next day of mating. Urine samples were analysed by the free-labelled quantitative proteomics technique of high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Differential proteins of the urine proteome were analysed for protein function and biological pathways. Results43 differential proteins were identified by comparing the urine proteome of rats on the next day of mating with that on the day of mating, and nearly two-thirds of the differential proteins were related to spermatogenesis. ConclusionsThe urine proteome has the potential to reflect spermatogenesis without interfering with it.